Licorice is an herbal plant which has been used in traditional medicine since ancient times. It has been used as flavoring in food and cooking as well.
licorice is consumed in various industries such as cosmetics, tobacco, pharmaceutical, confectionery, food and beverages and many others.
Moreover, it has many benefits for our health and body. It is an effective remedy for digestive disorders, peptic ulcers, heartburn, indigestion, cough, skin diseases, sore throat, respiratory problems and many others.
Licorice in different forms is available in markets: licorice root, licorice root powder, licorice extract powder, licorice extract paste, licorice extract blocks, licorice DGL etc.
Sepidan Osareh Jonoob Co., presents some information about licorice powder types and their uses.
One kind of licorice powder is “licorice extract powder”. This powder has got these properties: the color of this powder is brown; It is soluble in water; It is mostly used in cosmetics as an anti-aging factor, in food and healthcare products; It has anti-inflammatory properties; It is helpful in treating eczema, acne, sunburn etc.
One of licorice powder types is “licorice root powder”. It is used in making tea bags, medicinal syrups, and other traditional beverages. It has some benefits for our health, for example it is helpful for adrenal and kidneys and reproductive system in men. It is used in toothpaste and tooth powder to maintain oral health and prevent cavities. It is also consumed in topical gels and ointments to make the complexion even and it is considered as a natural lightener. It inhibits hyperpigmentation. Licorice root powder can lubricate the intestine and help digestion. It balances the acid in our stomach. Its color is brighter than DGL and licorice extract powder.
DGL and HGL
DGL is deglycyrrhizinated licorice; in fact, during a process (deglycyrrhizination), glycyrrhizin is reduced. Glycyrrhizin is the main component of licorice. The sweetness in this plant is due to the existence of glycyrrhizin. DGL is consumed mostly in industries such as medicine, confectionery, food, chocolate, pet food, child nutrition. DGL contains lower amount of glycyrrhizin, so it is an appropriate medicine for diabetes, high blood pressure, peptic ulcers and many others. DGL function is to stimulate protective factors in digestive system, so it fortifies the internal lining of intestines against ulcers. It is also effective in controlling acid reflux, so prevents heartburn. It boosts mucus production and preserves esophagus and stomach from acid.
DGL is produced in powder form. Its color is yellowish light brown.
HGL is high glycyrrhizinated licorice. It is also used in specific industries like pharmaceutical. It contains high amount of glycyrrhizin. It is also used in shampoos to prevent hair loss. It is presented in the form of extract and powder.
Licorice roots are cleaned, dried and then they are ground. In the extraction process, HGL and DGL can be produced.
DGL is one of the licorice root derivatives. This product can be consumed more safely, because it has less glycyrrhizin. Licorice side effects are assumed to be related to glycyrrhizin. It has less interactions with drugs and medical conditions.
DGL is available in tablets and capsules, teas, mouthwash etc. It is used in ointments for skin disorders like eczema
Written and Edited by: Meysam Shokripour (Sepidan Osareh Jonoob Company)
References : iranlicorice.com
